Dr. Bello Zakariyau Adebayo Boosts Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin (KWASUED) Research Impact with Six New Publications (Nov 2025 – Mar 2026)

Research Spotlight: Dr Bello Zakariyau Adebayo Adds Six Journal Publications, Strengthening the Research Visibility of Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin

In this research spotlight, we speak with Bello Zakariyau Adebayo, a scholar in science education at Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria, who recently added six peer-reviewed journal publications to his academic portfolio between November 2025 and March 2026.          

 Dr Adebayo explained that although these papers were only recently announced publicly, the research behind them had been underway for several months prior to their publication.“Most academic publications take time before they finally appear in journals. In fact, these studies took approximately eight to nine months of research, writing, peer review, and revision before they were eventually published,” he explained.  

Interestingly, during the review process for several of the papers, Dr Adebayo received his appointment at Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin. “After receiving my appointment, I contacted the journal editors to update my institutional affiliation to my new university. I am therefore particularly delighted that these publications now appear under my current institution,” he noted.   For Dr Adebayo, this represents a meaningful beginning to his academic journey at the university.   “It is truly gratifying to start this new phase of my career with six research papers already published under the name of my new institution.”

Research Leadership and Collaboration
Across the six recent publications, Dr Adebayo served as lead author in three studies, coordinating the research design, writing process, and scholarly direction of the work.
These studies explore:
• Artificial Intelligence–driven assessment tools in science education
• Eco-pedagogy and green technologies for sustainable biology teacher education
• The use of open technologies to improve pedagogical skill acquisition and inclusive classroom interaction among pre-service science educators

He also contributed as co-author in three collaborative studies examining:
• Ethical issues in STEM teacher education in Nigeria
• The comparative influence of computer-based testing and traditional paper-based examinations on digital literacy, test anxiety, and academic achievement in STEM assessments
• Pre-service science teachers’ experiences with online learning environments in colleges of education in Kwara State

Together, these publications reflect his growing contributions to research in:
• Science Education
• STEM Pedagogy
• Educational Technology
• Sustainability Education
• Digital Assessment Systems
• Online Learning and Digital Pedagogy
 
Recent Publications
1. Integrating Eco-Pedagogy and Green Technologies to Transform Biology Teacher Education for Sustainability
Journal: International Journal of Contemporary Issues in Instruction and Science Education
Year: 2026
 
This study explores how eco-pedagogy and green technologies—including virtual laboratories, artificial intelligence tools, and augmented reality applications—can transform biology teacher education while promoting sustainability and supporting global goals such as United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
 
2. Leveraging AI-Driven Assessment Tools to Transform Science Education for Future-Ready Learning
Journal: Kontagora Journal of Science and Technology
Published: 30 November 2025
Volume: 18 (No.1–2), pp.126–132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17975367
 
This research examines how artificial intelligence-driven assessment tools can improve science education through enhanced feedback systems, improved evaluation processes, and more responsive digital learning environments.
 
3. Pre-Service Science Educators’ Perception of Pedagogical Skills Acquisition and the Use of Open Technology for Inclusive Classroom Interaction
Journal: Kontagora Journal of Science and Technology
Published: 30 November 2025
Volume: 18 (No.1–2), pp.56–64
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17886734
 
The study investigates how open educational technologies can support pre-service science educators in developing pedagogical skills needed for inclusive classrooms, particularly when working with learners with special educational needs.
 
4. Digital Literacy, Test Anxiety, and Achievement in STEM Examinations: A Comparative Study of Computer-Based Testing and Traditional Paper-Based Assessment
Journal: FNAS Journal of Mathematics and Science Education
Published: December 2025
Volume: 7 (Issue 2), pp.62–71
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63561/fnas-jmse.v7i2.1091
 
This study compares computer-based testing with traditional paper-based examinations in STEM education, highlighting the advantages and challenges of both systems and recommending a balanced approach to modern educational assessment.
 
5. Critical Review of Ethical Issues in STEM Teacher Education in Nigeria
Journal: Journal of Curriculum and Instruction
Published: 31 December 2025
Volume: 15 (Issue 1)
 
The article critically examines ethical challenges within STEM teacher education in Nigeria and recommends stronger integration of ethical reasoning, moral philosophy, and professional responsibility in teacher preparation programmes.
 
6. Assessment of Colleges of Education Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Experiences in Online Classes in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Bello, G., Alabi, H. I., Adebayo, B. Z., Sulaiman, M. M., & Bello, I. A.
Journal: EDUCATUM Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Year: 2026
Volume: 13 (Issue 1), pp.24–32
Journal Link: https://ejournal.upsi.edu.my/index.php/EJSMT/index
 
In this collaborative study, the researchers examined the experiences of pre-service science teachers participating in online classes across colleges of education in Kwara State. The findings highlight key challenges and opportunities in digital learning environments and provide recommendations for improving online science teacher education programmes.
Research Focus
Dr Adebayo’s research interests include:
 
• STEM Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Teacher Education
• Digital Assessment
• Eco-Pedagogy and Sustainability
• Inclusive Education
• Online and Blended Learning
 
Acknowledgement of Research Collaborators
Dr Adebayo expressed appreciation to the numerous collaborators who contributed to the studies.
“Academic research is rarely an individual effort. These publications represent the collective contributions of scholars from several reputable institutions. I sincerely appreciate the dedication, expertise, and scholarly commitment of all my co-authors and collaborators.”
 
Co-Authors and Institutional Affiliations
B. T. Abdulazeez — Department of Science Education, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Nigeria
Musa Mohammed Sulaiman — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Hafsat Imam Alabi — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Abdulrazak Agboola Bello — Department of Biological Sciences, University of Offa, Nigeria
Prof. G. Bello — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Prof. Mulkah A. Ahmed — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Florence O. Abidoye — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Rihanat A. Ahmed — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
M. M. Sulaiman — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
B. N. Sadiq — Department of Physics, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
O. Awolola — Department of Computer Science, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
B. F. Usman — Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
T. T. Ayilara — Department of Biology, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
A. Shehu — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
B. J. Abdulrahim — Department of Life Science Education, Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
B. Y. Olanrewaju — Department of Physical Science Education, Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
H. B. Ibrahim — Department of Integrated Science, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
Q. Yahaya — Department of Physical Science Education, Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
S. A. Salawu — Department of Physical Science Education, Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
Z. B. Atotileto — Department of Integrated Science, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria
G. I. Adeniyi — Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
 
Direct Links to the Publications
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17975367
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17886734
https://doi.org/10.63561/fnas-jmse.v7i2.1091
https://journalofcurriculumandinstruction.org/index.php/jci/article/view
https://ijciise.org
https://ejournal.upsi.edu.my/index.php/EJSMT/index
 
About the Researcher
Dr. Bello Zakariyau Adebayo (PhD)
Department of Life Science Education, Biology Unit
 Kwara State University of Education, Ilorin, Nigeria

Email:bello.za@kwasued.edu.ng,zakbay26@gmail.com
Phone:08036092412
ORCID: 0000-0001-8001-2404
Google Scholar:https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=ovMuHFUAAAAJ
Scopus Author ID:58030885300
Web of Science ResearcherID:IPMR-9145-2026